Porbandar, Gujarat | August 20, 2026

Gujarat’s Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is emerging as an important second home for Asiatic lions, with the sanctuary’s lion population rising to 26, up from 17 recorded in August 2025.

The latest count was conducted during the Forest Department’s full-moon observation exercise, with officials noting that most of the lions are cubs. The natural increase indicates that lions are breeding successfully and finding adequate food and water in the landscape.

From one wandering lion to a growing population

Barda had no resident lion population until 2023, although the area was historically part of the Asiatic lion’s range around 145 years ago.

The recovery began when a sub-adult male lion naturally moved into Barda in January 2023 and remained there. The Forest Department subsequently relocated five lionesses from Gir to the sanctuary. Successful breeding followed, and the population grew to 17 before reaching the latest figure of 26.

Strong prey base supports the lions

The Forest Department has been working for years to establish a suitable prey base in Barda. Dedicated chital and sambar breeding centres have been operating since 2014, with herbivores released into the sanctuary according to its requirements.

Wild nilgai and wild boar are also naturally present, providing additional prey. Officials continue to monitor prey availability and water sources to ensure the growing lion population has adequate resources.

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary covers 192.31 sq km across Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts, while the wider Barda landscape extends to about 410 sq km. The landscape is considered an important biodiversity area and an increasingly significant habitat for Asiatic lion conservation.

Tourism gets a boost

The growth of the lion population is also strengthening Barda’s potential as a wildlife tourism destination. A lion-safari route launched in October 2024 has attracted growing visitor interest.

Around 3,300 tourists undertook lion-sighting safaris in 2025–26, compared with about 2,200 in 2024–25. A second safari route is expected to open during the next tourist season.

The rise to 26 lions marks an important development in Gujarat’s efforts to expand the Asiatic lion’s range beyond Gir. Barda’s growing population demonstrates the potential of restoring suitable habitat, strengthening prey availability and allowing lions to establish a secure second stronghold.

Source: Times of India; Gujarat Forest Department.